Potential health benefits and risks associated with the consumption of the giant African land snail: A review
Abstract
The Giant African Land Snail (GALS), which is the biggest known land snail in the world, has been a delicacy in West and Central Africa for several centuries. This study used literature to assess the proximate composition, nutritional and health benefits, and potential health hazard connected with the consumption of the three commonest GALS species; Archachatina marginata, Achatina fulica (recently renamed as Lissachatina fulica) and Achatina achatina. The study found that the meat from the snail is highly nutritious on account of the high protein, mineral and vitamin content but low fats and cholesterol. Meat and other products from the snail are used in traditional African folklore medicine for the management of some disease situations such as anaemia, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis among others. In addition, by-products from the snail such as shell has potential application as calcium supplements, while the mucus has antimicrobial properties and has been used in cosmetics and for reconstructive surgery. But the consumption of the snail is challenged by the presence of pathogens and parasites, which can potentially cause food-borne diseases and other health problems, which occur mostly among people that consume raw or improperly cooked snail meat. We conclude that the risk of snail meat consumption can be substantially minimized through pre-processing of cultured snails followed by adequate cooking.Files | ||
Issue | Article in Press | |
Section | Review Article(s) | |
Keywords | ||
Achatinid snail Alternative animal protein Edible snails Food-borne diseases Nutraceutical Parasites Pathogens |
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How to Cite
1.
Ohimain E, Y. Oku I, E. Charles E. Potential health benefits and risks associated with the consumption of the giant African land snail: A review. J Food Safe & Hyg. 2025;.